Newport warns cemetery decorations must be removed by July 1

Families with cemetery plots in Newport must remove prohibited decorations by July 1, or the town’s Cemeteries, Buildings, & Grounds crew will remove and dispose of the items. The June 5 reminder said numerous grave sites already held decorations that do not comply with town rules, and Newport is now enforcing those standards across its cemetery system.

The town’s rules require all decorations to stay within 18 inches of the front of the monument. Newport also prohibits flowers planted in the ground, mulch, shrubbery, copings, fences, curbs, glass jars, glass bottles and other glass containers. Summer decorations are allowed from April 1 through October 31, while winter decorations are allowed from November 1 through March 31 and must be placed on the side or top of monuments. Moveable benches must be removed by the end of October, and the superintendent may remove decorations, flowers, benches or other items that become unsightly or do not comply with cemetery regulations.

The enforcement push appears tied to the practical demands of keeping the grounds manageable and consistent. Newport’s ordinance, adopted by the Newport Board of Selectmen on January 15, 2007, says the superintendent is empowered to enforce the rules and make temporary rules for emergencies. Town policy also reflects a broader maintenance concern: keeping the cemeteries safe to work in, preserving a respectful appearance, and avoiding damage to monuments or neighboring lots while crews handle seasonal care and regular mowing.

Newport lists five town cemeteries: East Pine Street Cemetery, West Pine Street Cemetery, Maple Street Cemetery, Pine Grove Cemetery on Route 11 and North Newport Cemetery. The town’s published lot rates show a resident full-size burial lot at $350 and a non-resident lot at $600, with those rates effective July 1, 2016. St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Cemetery is listed separately as independent from the town system.

Families with questions can contact Cemetery Information, Burial Scheduling, Lot Sales and Records at 603-863-1360. Newport’s Buildings & Grounds office can be reached at 603-863-8022 or 603-863-3650 as the July 1 deadline approaches.